Owl Figure
Item number 2731/90 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Large clay owl has rounded edge wings that wrap around towards the belly on which are perched two similar smaller owls. Details are hand painted in black, dark orange, and white onto a mottled background of yellow, orange and brown paint applied to the pale orange fired clay . Indian motifs in black decorate the white upper side of the wings on all three owls and the flower-like eyes of the adult owl are recessed.
Narrative
Pottery owls became important tourist items when the railroad and then Route 66 allowed for large numbers of tourists to travel to the Southwest. This collection of 192 Zuni pottery owls includes examples from before 1900 through 2006. Zuni potters continue to make owls and family traditions in the medium continue. While many younger potters are innovating, the owls are distinctly Zuni.
Iconographic Meaning
In traditional Zuni lore, the owl is considered a wise guardian and protector. An owl’s ability to see at night means that it sees what others cannot, giving it understanding of the spiritual and physical world.
Item History
- Made by Lurenda Kiyite (Maker) in New Mexico, USA during 1989
- Collected in Wikiup, Arizona, USA during September 2003
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between September 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
- Name
- Owl Figure
- Identification Number
- 2731/90
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- clay and paint
- Overall
- height 31.0 cm, width 28.0 cm, depth 20.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Wikiup, Arizona, USA
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Lurenda Kiyite (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Daniel Ma and David Evans
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- during 1989
- Collection Date
- during September 2003
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between September 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0090
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